Threatening Mailings Reach Maryland Delegation Ahead of Nov. 3 Vote
FBI and postal inspectors probe suspicious letters containing nontoxic white powder sent to senators, representatives, and state election officials.
By Hassan Bello ·
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service have opened a joint investigation into a series of threatening letters delivered to Maryland’s congressional delegation and state election office this week. The mailings arrived just days before the Nov. 3 general election.
Investigators initially reported similar incidents in Louisiana and Oklahoma before the suspicious items spread to other states. Each letter contained a white powder. Lab tests confirmed the substance was nontoxic, though authorities have not yet named the specific chemical.
Maryland Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis stated that his office intercepted a suspicious envelope after implementing stricter mail screening protocols. He said the threats would not stop his staff from preparing for the upcoming vote. Both Maryland U.S. senators confirmed they received the mailings. At least five of the state’s eight House members also reported receiving similar letters.
Rep. Kweisi Mfume found a letter at his Baltimore office and has requested a briefing from postal inspectors regarding security measures. Rep. Johnny Olszewski’s staff isolated a suspicious item before notifying authorities. Rep. Steny Hoyer reported receiving a letter at his Greenbelt district office.
Not all offices reported receiving the mailings. Rep. Andy Harris’ office said it had not received a letter. Several other congressional offices declined to comment or did not respond to inquiries. Federal investigators have not identified the sender or the motive behind the campaign of letters.
Source: WOLB
